BEST CLEANERS DELIVERS AN AVALANCHE OF 18,168 COATS TO CONNECTICUT’S NEEDY

Breaks campaign record for most coats collected, cleaned, and delivered to Salvation Army Centers

Middletown, CT -- Best Cleaners wrapped up its eighth annual COATS FOR CONNECTICUT campaign this month, making the last delivery of donated coats to Salvation Army centers around the state, and far exceeding the 16,000 goal set back in November with 18,168 coats processed by the family-owned business. This year’s community collection kicked off on November 10 and ran through January 7. The general public was asked to donate gently-used winter coats and jackets at any of Best Cleaners’ 13 locations, where they were then cleaned and delivered to Salvation Army centers and shelters in Hartford, Middletown, Meriden, Bristol, New Britain, New Haven, Bridgeport, New London, and Waterbury.

The huge uptick in the total number of donated coats came from expanded participation by local schools, youth groups, businesses, and Best’s campaign partner Eyewitness News WFSB-TV 3 and Young’s Printing/FastSigns. WFSB collected over 900 coats at their station headquarters, while many other local organizations held their own collection events. The total value of the donated coats and drycleaning services combined is an estimated $515,000. “Each year I am always amazed by the sheer magnitude of giving in our community. This year was exceptional and much credit needs to be given to our campaign volunteers who helped us deliver coats each week, and our campaign partners who helped get the word out throughout the eight week effort,” stated Shawn McCann, President of Best Cleaners and organizer of COATS FOR CONNECTCIUT. “Of course none of it would happen without the hard work of the Salvation Army centers in getting each donation into the hands of those who need it all through the winter months.”

According to Captain Sienna Jackson of The Salvation Army, "We want to thank the Connecticut community for their continued generosity. Donations reached families in our shelters and feeding programs as well as individuals assisted through our food pantries and holiday season programs. This year, even more men, women and children will stay warm this winter.”

For more information on the COATS FOR CONNECTICUT clothing drive and Best Cleaners go to www.bestcleaners.com